Jesus

Solitude

Posted on by Shannon

Jesus prayingIn our hectic world solitude is missing. As we age we have more time to be alone, and for some people solitude becomes loneliness. But there is a need to practice a measure of it.

When Moses escaped Egypt, he spent four decades in the wilderness with few people nearby. It gave him time to think about his life, to learn humility and trust in God, not just himself. When he saw the burning bush, he was ready to be a leader. (Ex.3).

When Saul obeyed the gospel in Damascus, his whole life changed. He needed some time alone, so he went away for a while in Arabia before proceeding with his new role as an apostle. (Gal.1:17-18). Sometimes we need space to make important changes in our thinking. Continue reading →

Take Courage

Posted on by Shannon

Jesus and PilateWe welcome our speaker today, Kevin Cleary from Meaford. He’s chosen to teach us about faithful living when we face the world’s pressures – and Christians do grapple with some peculiar kinds.

Jesus was no stranger to “tribulation,” which is another word for the pressures that come at us from the world. He spoke of it in John 16:33 shortly before he was arrested and killed. These events weighed heavily on him, yet he did not shrink back in fear. He faced them with confidence. He expected pressure from the world, and he taught his disciples to expect the same. But he gave them a reason to have courage: “I have overcome the world.” Soon he would rise again from the dead and be victorious over all that the world did to him. Continue reading →

Elusive Peace

Posted on by Shannon

Peace seems impossible these days. We see a world without it on the news every night. Hatred and violence seem to rule in so many places. One conflict settles down and then another flares up overnight. Even in “peaceful” countries, people can feel a lack of it inside themselves.

Yet the New Testament speaks of peace and claims that anyone can have it. This elusive quality is not so elusive after all. Romans 5:1-4 tells us “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” then goes on to talk about experiencing tribulations. This means we can have peace even when we experience troubles. How is this possible? We find the answer in Philippians 4:6-7. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Continue reading →

Kindness

Posted on by Shannon

Logo

Tabitha is not remembered because she was raised from the dead(Acts 9). She is celebrated in this statement, “…this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did” (v36). By it she helped convert many in Joppa.

A country may have great buildings and famous attractions, but it’s not worth living in if it lacks kindness. Last year it was reported that there is an epidemic of meanness in our society. Many people seem to go out of their way to hurt and humiliate others. It was the same in ancient Israel, and it disgusted God. Through Micah He said they must learn to “do justice and to love kindness” (Mic.6:8).

Think back and remember the times in your life when people were kind to you when your behavior demonstrated you were hardly worth it. That’s what God did for us through Jesus Christ. In Titus 3:3 we’re reminded that we were once busy “spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.” Then something happened that changed everything. “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared…” (v4). Kindness is what motivated God to send us a Saviour. And now we are to love kindness. “Put on a heart of compassion and kindness” (Col.3:12). Put away meanness, learn to practice kindness, and live the way Jesus did when He was in this mean old world. He was kind to people – even on the cross. It saved the world. How will you treat people this week?

– Tim Johnson